Fugitives Bill 'hard to swallow'

Peter Hain said the Bill was 'deeply uncomfortable for government'

A Bill allowing paramilitary fugitives to return to NI without facing prison was "deeply uncomfortable" for government, the NI Secretary has said.

MPs voted on Wednesday evening in the House of Commons by a margin of 48 in favour of the measures.

It followed a day of impassioned debate. NI Secretary Peter Hain said he understood the emotions involved.

"This is a very difficult piece of legislation for the House of Commons to swallow," he said.

"It was the most difficult second reading that any secretary of state has faced in the last eight or so years of our government. Let's accept that is the case."

The proposals cover up to 150 people wanted for crimes committed before the Good Friday Agreement in 1998.

The Bill attracted sustained criticism from unionists, the SDLP, opposition MPs and some Labour backbenchers.

'Anguish'

Prime Minister Tony Blair said he understood "the pain and anguish" the legislation would cause.

Among those lobbying the prime minister on Wednesday were the families of four murdered Royal Ulster Constabulary police officers who met Mr Blair at Downing Street before the vote.

The legislation will deal with people suspected of terrorism who have not been brought to court and those who have fled prison.

Sinn Fein has repeatedly pressed for them to be able to return to Northern Ireland.

Under the legislation, paramilitary fugitives would have their cases heard by a special tribunal, but, if found guilty, would be freed on licence without having to go to jail.

Criminal Justice Minister David Hanson told the House of Commons the government would consider amendments on whether suspects should appear in person before the special tribunal.

He said this could happen once the measure reached the committee stage at Westminster. The Bill was passed by 310 votes to 262, a majority of 48.

A Conservative Party attempt to block the Bill's second reading because it "creates an amnesty for terrorist fugitives" was rejected by 313 to 258, a government majority of 55.